Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, known for his sophisticated on-screen persona and off-screen intellectual pursuits, has offered a fascinating glimpse into his current literary world. In a recent conversation, the actor detailed the eclectic mix of books occupying his 'To Be Read' list, revealing not just his personal tastes but also a significant professional move involving one of the titles.
From TBR List to Film Project: The Emotional Pull of 'Black River'
During an interview with Esquire India in early January 2026, Khan spoke passionately about several books. The most notable revelation centered on Nilanjana S. Roy's police procedural murder mystery, 'Black River'. Khan described the book, which investigates the murder of a young girl, as deeply emotional and moving. His admiration for the story has transcended mere reading; he has taken a decisive step by purchasing the film rights to the book.
"I bought the rights to the book, and we are trying to make a movie out of it," Khan stated, acknowledging that the adaptation process is taking time. He was particularly struck by the description on the book's back cover, which calls it "an ode to an India that does not exist anymore." This lyrical and dramatic quality, combined with the poignant core narrative, is what compelled the 'Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins' actor to envision it for the big screen.
A Shared Love for Spine-Tingling Narratives
Saif Ali Khan's literary preferences lean heavily towards genres that thrill and chill. He confirmed his status as an avid reader of murder mysteries, thrillers, and horror. This passion is a shared one in his household. His wife, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, in a separate interview with The Nod Mag, expressed her own fondness for "crazy crime thrillers." At the time, she was immersed in Jessica Bull's period crime drama, 'A Fortune Most Fatal,' set during World War II.
Khan's current list, however, showcases a range beyond contemporary crime. He expressed a deep appreciation for Lafcadio Hearn's 'Japanese Ghost Stories.' He recounted the tragic background of the Irish writer, who settled in Japan, and praised Hearn's ability to retell traditional ghost stories with "amazing poetic prose." This collection caters to Khan's love for well-written, atmospheric supernatural tales.
Re-examining Myths Through a Feminist Lens
Demonstrating the diversity of his interests, Khan also highlighted Natalie Haynes' 'Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths.' He described the book as a feminist re-examination of iconic female figures from Greek mythology, such as Medusa, who have historically been portrayed as monsters through a male gaze.
Khan elaborated on the narrative, pointing out the injustice faced by these characters. "Medusa, for example, is crazy. Raped in a temple, and then punished for being raped in the temple by God. This is the worst thing, and she's viewed as a monster. I've always felt something for her," he said. This pick underscores his engagement with literature that challenges traditional perspectives and reinterprets familiar stories.
Saif Ali Khan's reading list, revealed on January 10, 2026, is more than a casual sharing of hobbies. It maps the intellectual and creative influences shaping one of Bollywood's most thoughtful stars, culminating in the concrete plan to bring a beloved Indian story from the page to the screen.
